Taking advantage of the delicate situation of the govt, many MLAs are threatening the CM to give them ministerial berths ufffd or else, say sources
Taking advantage of the delicate situation of the govt, many MLAs are threatening the CM to give them ministerial berths... or else, say sources
As the fate of the 11 disqualified MLAs will be decided today, the state of flux is helping BJP MLAs to bargain with the party. Sources say that they are pressing the chief minister for a ministerial berth, positions in boards and corporations, or at least, cash.
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| Dharna zaroori hai: Congressmen led by Siddaramiah staged a sit-in in front of the CM's residence yesterday to protest against the alleged buy-out of their MLAs by the BJP. Pic/Satish Badiger |
Justice Sabayat is expected to hear the case today, while the hearing on disqualification of five independent legislators is posted for November 2.
If the court quashes the disqualification, and they vote against the government, as it is their present stand, the government is likely to fall.
HD Kumaraswamy, state president of JD(S), is also claiming that some more members are willing to go with him, while BJP leaders are trying to lure MLAs from the Opposition parties as a counter move.
"MLAs are taking advantage of the situation and indulging in blackmailing the CM. I am surprised to see first-time MLAs aspiring for a cabinet berth," said a senior leader from the BJP.
Govt under pressureWith Yeddyurappa hinting on filling the vacancies in the cabinet, BJP legislators are making a beeline to his residence to lobby for ministerial berths. While MLC D Veeriah, and MLA Pratap Gowda Patil took separate processions to the Chief Minister's residence yesterday for the same, other legislators are resorting to behind- the- scene exercise.
Jivaraj, chief whip, is believed to have tendered his resignation demanding a cabinet minister position for him. Sources said that Yeddyurappa spent over an hour with him to pacify him.While ministerial berths are limited, legislators are demanding chairmen positions in profitable boards or corporations, and threatening to leave the party and join Kumaraswamy.
According to sources, some of the BJP legislators are even asking for money to the tune of several crores, as Kumaraswamy reportedly has made a similar offer to them. "There is a pressure on us regarding the cabinet's expansion, and we can understand what the aspirants are going through. But they have to be patient as we are waiting for the court verdict," said KS Eswarappa, BJP state president.
In the meantime, BJP has revived its 'operation lotus' to lure legislators from the Opposition parties in order to muster the numbers, in case the court verdict is not favourable. Congress MLA SV Ramachandra submitted his resignation to Speaker K G Bopiah, allegedly to help BJP leaders on the mission ofu00a0 'operation lotus'. Congressmen led by Siddaramiah, leader of Opposition, staged a sit-in in front of the CM's residence to protest against the alleged buy-out of their MLAs by the BJP.
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